Guide to the Authentication of Documents

Last updated on November 22, 2024

As of November 18, 2024, Canada Post mail delivery to and from our office is delayed. Consider using a courier service during this delay. Processed documents to be returned by Canada Post will be held until the mail is running again.

Due to increased volume since the implementation of Apostille, our current processing time is 2 to 3 weeks, not including mail time.

For daily updates, please email us and read in the automatic reply: “Now processing documents received on: [Date]”.

Foreign governments and organizations sometimes require Canadian public documents to be authenticated in order to be accepted for use in their jurisdiction. In British Columbia, authentication means that the signature of the provincial official who signed the B.C. public document has been authenticated by the provincial government.

This website contains information on the B.C. authentication process, including instructions on how to prepare and submit your particular type of document for authentication. Please read all sections carefully before submitting any documents for authentication.

The B.C. Authentication Program is administered by the Order in Council (OIC) Administration Office in the Ministry of Attorney General.

Useful Contacts

If you require assistance, please email the B.C. Authentication Program.

Email: BCAuthentication@gov.bc.ca

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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Guide to the Authentication of Documents

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